Written by Andrew Lwanga, edited by Harshi Vashee
Reigning Formula 3 Champion Dennis Hauger has been confirmed to have joined the Prema Team for his first season in Formula 2. The reigning Formula 2 team’s Champions will also feature another Red Bull backed driver in Indian Jehan Daruvala who’s set to begin his third campaign in the series.
“I’m delighted to continue with PREMA in 2022,” said Hauger, who was the 2019 Italian F4 champion. “We had a good year in 2021 with some amazing teamwork, and I really enjoyed it.
“I’m extremely happy that they keep believing in me, and I’m looking forward to carrying on the hard work we put in together this season as well.”
This will not be Daruvala’s first rodeo with the Italian team as well having competed under the Prema Powerteam banner in his Formula 3 days.
“I’m really happy to be back at PREMA and continue to be part of the Red Bull Junior Team for the 2022 FIA F2 Championship,” said Daruvala. “We have worked together in the past and share a fantastic relationship.
“PREMA is a champion team and I can’t wait to get started and look forward to a successful F2 campaign.”
Hauger and Daruvala aren’t the only names moving to new places in 2022. Liam Lawson will join Carlin after an impressive rookie year with Hitech which saw him win the opening round of the season.
Looking to build on the successes of his first year the Kiwi said,“I’m super excited for the new opportunity this year, the pre-season test went really, really well. It was a completely different experience to what I’ve been used to. The whole team is really focused on the right things and all super motivated going into the season.
“The second year is always a good step having done a year and learnt a lot, so to take all of that into a new team is a great way to start.”
Another notable name and fellow Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa is stepping up from F3 to F2. The 20 year old Japanese driver who’s also backed by Honda is set to join DAMS racing.
The only Red Bull Junior driver staying put in Formula 2 is Juri Vips. The Estonian joined Hitech Grand Prix in 2021 and managed two wins and six podiums en route to a sixth place in the overall standings.
With so many drivers looking to build on from their impressive rookie campaigns, paired with highly talented rookies in Championship winning teams. The 2022 Formula 2 season promises to be a good one.